The Var region is one of our expert locations as it’s the place where we both met and worked in the South of France. For 7 months we explored the entire region whilst living in tents. So if it’s camping in the Var region you’re looking for? We know what we are talking about.
Below we’ve listed 10 activities for you and your family to explore in the Var region of France and below that, we’ve listed some of our favourite campsites.
What to do in the Var
Gorges du Verdon
This is quite simply, the most incredible landmark in France. I mean, not officially or anything, but we 100000% believe it is. It’s amazing. The scenery is unrivaled.
Lac de Sainte-Croix
Following on from the Gorges du Verdon is this beautiful lake. From here you can hire a pedalo or boat and sail into a section of the gorge. It’s a fun day out for the entire family (we’ve even seen dogs on pedalos).
Sillans-la-Cascade
Just slightly south of the Lac de Sainte-Croix is the charming town of Sillans La Cascade. The village itself is like most French villages, except this one has a secret…well, not so secret because it’s in the name… In the village you’ll find a stunning 42 meter high waterfall.
Malpasset Dam
A sombre day out, the Malpasset dam collapsed in 1959 killing 423 people in the flood that followed. Pieces of the dam are still scattered throughout the landscape. The area is set up as a memoriam to those who lost their lives in Fréjus.
Lac de Saint-Cassien
A great day out for the family. This lake usually houses an inflatable assault course in Summer and also has pedalo hire. It’s possible to swim in the lake and the water is nice and warm in Summer.
Roquebrune
The Rocher de Roquebrune, near Saint Aygulf, is perfect for active families looking for a hike. Not quite a mountain, this impressive natural structure has many routes to the top. One of the routes even has a rope on the cliff edge to scale the rocks up.
It took us around 2 hours to reach the top, and yes, we got lost on the way down. Read our full guide to climbing the Rocher de Roquebrune for the routes, where to park and the easier way up from Le Muy.
The red rocks walk at Santa Lucia
Another small hiking route in the Var, these rocks are situated at the port of Santa Lucia next to Saint Raphael. The route involves a walk between land and sea across these stunning naturally red rocks.
Celeb spotting in Saint-Tropez
I can’t write about the Var and not write about its most famous town. Saint Tropez is known by people everywhere as being a hot spot for celebrities. The super rich own houses here and the super, super rich own yachts here too! We prefer the smaller nearby towns of Port Grimaud and Sainte-Maxime: similar scenery and lifestyle but for half the money spent.
The Esterel massif
Another set of red rocks but this time from the town of Agay. Head to the town to find the stunning landscape of the Esterel massif. From here you can take a hike up the rocks or even a boat trip through the rocky calanques.
The villages of the Pays de Fayence
To the north east of the var region you’ll find the nine villages of Fayence: Fayence, Callian, Mons, Tourrettes, Tanneron, Montauroux, Saint-Paul-en-Forêt, Seillans and Bagnols-en-Forêt. They are known as the perched villages due to their location on the hill side. Filled with culture and natural heritage these villages are definitely worth a visit.
Campsites nearby
We’ve lived and worked at quite a few of the campsites in the Var, so we have a good idea of what’s best for every family type. Here are our recommendations.
Camping L’Etoile d’Argens
This is my top recommendation, mainly because I spent 6 months living there. It’s the perfect site if you’re planning beach days, as the campsite’s shuttle boat means you avoid all the traffic. It’s now an “ecolodge” site, which means they prioritise environmentally friendly holidays.
Holiday Green, Fréjus
Mike worked a season here. The big draw is the huge pool complex, with three large slides for the whole family, water games and slides for little ones, plus toddler and indoor pools. There’s also a bus just outside the parc to explore the local towns.
Camping La Baume, Fréjus
This site is perfect for families with kids of all different age groups. There are loads of activities for the whole family and it’s huge! Six pools and five waterslides, including a toddler splash pool, and Cannes is about 40 minutes’ drive away.
Les Lacs du Verdon, Régusse
Set in the perfect location for exploring the Gorges du Verdon, this campsite will be a hit with pool lovers. The aquatic area is absolutely amazing, and you’re surrounded by oak trees and scrubland, with walking, climbing, canoeing and biking nearby.
Esterel, Saint-Raphaël
A five-star parc in a forest setting near Agay and the Esterel massif. There are two pool complexes: a jungle-themed indoor toddler pool with mini slides, and an outdoor area with three pools, a splash park with a tipping bucket and eight waterslides.
More campsites we rate
Heading further along the coast? Domaine de la Yole, Valras and La Chapelle, Argelès-sur-Mer both have brilliant pool areas, and our campsites with water slides guide has plenty more. Not sure which suits your family? Try our campsite quiz.
